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Is there a difference between choosing a major and choosing a
career? For many students, the purpose of attending college is to ultimately
secure employment. When considering the major/career decision, you may wish to
keep the following in mind:
- "Major" refers to an area of study, not necessarily a
defined occupation.
- Although some careers may require certain majors
(i.e. nursing, teaching, accounting), many careers do not demand a certain
major.
- In many cases, employers hire people with skills, not
particular majors. They look for employees who have the ability to complete
tasks associated with the job description.
- Job titles do not fully convey information about the skills
required to fulfill the job responsibilities. Similarly, college majors do
little to convey your qualifications to pursue a specific job.
Paraphrased from "Academic Advisement and the Career
Connection." Academic Advising News, VOL. XIV, No. 4, September 1992.
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A Self Quiz
Career decision-making is an active, thought-provoking, and
sometimes, time-consuming process. It involves assessing your interests,
abilities, experiences, and values to determine how best you would fit into the
world of work. Why not start today by asking yourself the following questions.
You may even want to jot your answers down while you think!
- What activities do I participate in during my spare time?
- What am I good at?
- What have I done in the past that makes me especially
proud?
- What skills would I like to improve?
- What classes am I currently taking or have taken that I
most enjoy?
- What do I value?
- How do my values affect my academic and career interests?
- What are my life circumstances and how might these affect
my decision?
- What are my career goals?
- How do these goals fit with my values, interests and
abilities?
Think about the answers that you have given. What are they
telling you about your current and future direction?
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Four-Year Career Planning Timeline
Deciding on a major and choosing a career does not happen
overnight. Both are ongoing processes which should begin in your freshman year
and continue to graduation (and beyond!). Here are some reminders to keep in
mind as you proceed through your educational experience:
Freshman Year
- Read the LCSC catalog and become familiar with graduation
requirements (core, # of credits required, grading policies, etc.).
-
Consider enrolling in Student Development 100 ("How To
Survive In College") or Student Development 120 ("Career Exploration").
-
Pay close attention to the General Education Core ("Core")
classes that you take each semester. Which ones do you enjoy most? What type
of concepts, discussions, theories, and assignments might lead you to
pursuit of a future career area?
-
Visit Career & Advising Services. Take a look at the
office library
Career & Advising Services Library.
-
Take a look at the
What Can I Do With This Major? page which
helps connect majors with careers.
-
Participate in extracurricular activities. They offer the
opportunity to develop career-related skills (like leadership and teamwork),
make friends, and serve the college community.
- Establish a relationship with your advisor. A college
advisor can help you in your decision-making processes and can provide you
with valuable insight into the college community. In addition, an advisor who
knows you (and your work) well can write a supporting letter for you when
applying for jobs or graduate programs.
- Choose your part-time and summer jobs carefully. Use these
jobs to help you evaluate your career interests and develop important work
skills.
Sophomore Year
- Conduct research in the
Career & Advising Services Library
(or LCSC campus library) . Online resources like the
Occupational Outlook Handbook
and O*Net
are two
helpful research tools. In addition, you will find The Encyclopedia of Careers
and Vocational Guidance as well as two series' entitled "Opportunities in..."
and "Careers in..." a variety of fields.
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals who are
working in fields that interest you, with faculty members in academic
divisions that interest you.
- Visit Career & Advising Services. Take a look at the
office library
Career & Advising Services Library.
- Review the current listing of Events.
- Meet with your academic advisor on a regular basis.
- Declare a major, if you have not yet done so. Remember, you
still have the freedom to change your mind later on!
Junior Year
- Sign up for and attend the Applying to Graduate School
Seminar (offered during fall semester).
- Take steps to prepare for graduate school (if you are
considering furthering your education).
- Choose your courses carefully. Be certain that you are
taking courses required for graduation. In addition, enroll in electives that
will enhance your future employment opportunities.
- Join a professional organization within your chosen field.
- Participate in a cooperative education or internship
experience to increase your knowledge of your chosen field and future
employment marketability.
- Continue to gain work experience related to your field.
- Begin networking with professionals in your field through
information interviews, professional memberships, or campus/major involvement.
Senior Year
- Visit Career & Advising Services. Take a look at the
office library
Career & Advising Services Library.
- Review the current list of Events.
- Make an appointment to meet with your advisor to be sure
that you have completed all graduation requirements.
- Identify references and ask them if you may use them as an
employment reference (and/or write a letter of recommendation on your behalf).
- Create a resume and have it critiqued by a career services
professional .
- Register with Career & Advising Services and set up a
credential file.
- Participate in Mock Interview Day.
Click here to learn more about this
event!
- Apply to graduate school/s if you plan to continue your
education after graduation.
Contact us at: Career & Advising Services
Lewis-Clark State College
Reid Centennial Hall, Room 110
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Phone 208-792-2313
Fax 208-792-2298
Return to Career & Advising Services Homepage
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